Agricultural Implement Depth Pressure Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements struggle to dynamically adjust the position of ground-engaging tools when encountering obstacles and maintain optimal operating pressure across varying soil conditions, as current systems either fixate on constant depth or pressure.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement with a control system that includes position and pressure sensors, coupled with an implement control unit, which adjusts the depth or pressure of ground-engaging tools based on real-time measurements to maintain pre-selected operating conditions, allowing for adaptive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the control system maintains constant depth of ground-engaging tool, then depth control precision is improved, but the system cannot adapt when the tool strikes obstacles stuck in the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between depth control mode and pressure control mode based on operating conditions. When the tool encounters an obstacle, the system transitions from maintaining constant depth to allowing depth variation while controlling pressure, enabling adaptation to obstacles while preserving depth control precision under normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the controlled parameter from depth to pressure when obstacles are detected. The control unit monitors depth and pressure signals and switches control modes by changing which parameter is actively regulated, allowing the tool to adapt to obstacles by prioritizing pressure control over depth control when necessary
2Manufacturing precision
If the control system maintains constant pressure on ground-engaging tool, then pressure control precision is improved, but the system cannot maintain optimal depth across varying soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between pressure control mode and depth control mode based on operating conditions. When soil conditions vary, the system transitions from maintaining constant pressure to allowing pressure variation while controlling depth, enabling adaptation to different soil conditions while preserving pressure control precision when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the controlled parameter from pressure to depth when soil conditions vary. The control unit monitors depth and pressure signals and switches control modes by changing which parameter is actively regulated, allowing the tool to adapt to varying soil conditions by prioritizing depth control over pressure control when necessary
3Device complexity
If the control system uses only position sensors for depth control, then system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt pressure to varying soil conditions and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates both position and pressure sensors to create a multi-functional control system that can operate in both depth control mode and pressure control mode. This universal system handles multiple operating conditions (normal operation, obstacles, varying soil conditions) with a single integrated control unit that processes both sensor inputs and switches modes as needed
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system (105) for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The control system (105) comprises: a position sensor (110, 120, 130) configured for measuring a depth indication of an actual operating depth of a ground-engaging tool (30, 70, 90) of an agricultural implement (10) and configured for generating a corresponding position signal (115, 125, 135); a pressure sensor (117, 127, 137) configured for measuring a pressure indication of an actual operating pressure and configured for generating a corresponding pressure signal (119, 129, 139); and an implement control unit (140) configured for receiving the position signal (115, 125, 135) and the pressure signal (119, 129, 139). The implement control unit (140) further being configured for controlling an adjustment device (55, 80, 100) so that the depth indication targets a depth set point that is indicative of a pre-selected operating depth (58, 83, 103) provided that the pressure indication is within a pre-selected pressure range or being configured for controlling an adjustment device (55, 80, 100) so that the pressure indication targets a pressure set point that is indicative of a pre-selected operating pressure (59, 84, 104) provided that the depth indication is within a preselected depth range. Furthermore, an agricultural implement (10) with such control system (105) and a respective control method is disclosed.